CHAPTER SIXTEEN

My king it has been two days, and in a few days time the feast of enchantment will be upon us. As per your orders we've fortified our defenses.

Thank you Tyron.

Thank you everyone for all your hardwork, this two days has been a busy one for us all.

It is our honor to serve Aegalia my king, and it seems that the sorcerers will really be helpful in helping us deal with prince Cleon. I know the guards must have told you all the ordeal he went through when he was taken to the dungeon. I'm sure two days of such hellish torture would let him understand his place.

Very true Tyron, after the feast we will look for a lasting solution to the problem that is Cleon with the help of the sorcerers.

Casper.

Yes father.

Tell the guards to get Cleon.

Okay father.

It has been two days since Cleon and i was locked in here, it has been quite the experience for me. Cleon however is unbothered about this whole thing.

Evelinde someone is coming.

Not long after, i heard footsteps and saw two guards approaching our cell.

Without a word they opened the cell and Cleon and i walked out.

We were taken back to the throne room where just like two days ago, the royal family and council where gathered only this time Cedric and Borak was not in attendance.

I bowed in greeting to the king and queen.

Cleon.

Father.

I take it you've learnt your lesson. I am letting you and your companion go with a warning to behave yourself and stay away from others so as not to endanger their lives.

The feast of enchantment is almost upon us and i expect you to behave in a way that befits your position so as not to bring shame and disgrace not just to this family but the whole of Aegalia. You are to stay away from the preparations as well as not participate in any competition. Your duty throughout the feast, is to be present as a part of the royal family. The same thing goes for your companion.

Am i understood?

Yes father.

Good, you both are dismissed.

With a bow i turned and followed behind Cleon.

I followed Cleon and we passed through several turns and finally came out the palace courtyard.

I took in a lungful of fresh air, so happy to be out in the open. All around us were people going and coming in all directions. One could practically feel the excitement in the air.

Evelinde are you okay?

I'm fine Cleon, although i do have to admit how happy i am to be out in the open after being cooped up in that place of despair for two days.

It take some getting used to; Cleon said with a chuckle.

No one should get used to gloom and dread my prince.

Why don't you take the day off and do whatever you want, take it as me saying thank you for putting you through a hellish two days.

Cleon that's thoughtful of you and i do appreciate it, however i really have nowhere to go and nothing to do.

What about visiting your friend Cedric?

Hmmmmmm, that's not a bad idea, however i prefer to go home and sleep on my bed.

Are you sure that's what you really want to do?

I'm positive.

Okay, let's go.

Cleon and i have barely taken a step when someone came running our way.

Eve, thank the spirits you are fine.

Cedric said wrapping me in a warm hug.

Hey to you too, i said returning his hug.

Are you alright?

I'm fine Cedric you have nothing to worry about.

Martha and i were very worried.

It's nice to be out in the open i must say, but truly i'm fine. Cleon made sure of that i said turning towards Cleon only to find him nowhere.

Where did he go?

I don't know; said Cedric just as confused.

Are you suppose to run an errand for him?

No, as a matter of fact i have the day off.

I'm following Martha to the market to get some supplies, you can join us. She is already at the gate.

I was thinking of going to bed but going to the market is not a bad idea too.

Good come on, let's hurry.

I followed Cedric and we got into one of the carriage outside the palace where several carriages where lined with people climbing in and out.

Eve! child it's so good to see you exclaimed Martha hugging me.

You too Martha.

I settled in and notied two other girls sitting in the carriage across from us, they quickly avoided my gaze when i looked at them.

Child you gave us a scare, how on earth did you allow yourself to be thrown into the dungeon alongside the prince?

Martha she is very stubborn, the first time she came into this palace i specifically told her to stay away from the prince, but what did she do, she went and became his companion.

I know you both are worried but truly it's not as bad as it looks.

Martha, Cleon said you were the only one who entered his wing to bring him food when others was scared.

Yes child, but that was years ago. I stopped bringing him food when he was ten.

Really?

Yes

So who has been preparing his food?

I can assure you that no one in the entire kingdom will cook for the prince.

He was quite pitiful back then, everyone was scared of him and stopped taking care of him. All i could do was provide food for him. When he turned ten, i took food to him one morning and after thanking me he told me to stop bringing him food. That was the last time i visied that wing of his.

I went to the king and told him what the prince said. The king however was not bothered and told me that if that is what he want i should leave him be.

He has always been mysterious and strange.

However it's you i'm more concerned about. How did you stay in the dungeon, was it as horrific as everyone is saying?

Everyone?

Yes, after you both where thrown in the dungeon the guards reported how the prince was writhing and suffering in pain; said Cedric.

Like i told you child, servants are known for their gossipy nature. I'm sure the whole of Aegalia has heard of this, although no one will dare breath a word of it to the hearing of anyone.

Wow, is there no secret in the palace, must the whole of Aegalia always know what's going on in the royal household?

Child, as long as it gets to do with the prince there is no such thing as keeping it a secret.

Well Cleon sure is pitiful; i said looking outside the carriage as we drove through fields.